Ukrainian Prosecutors Explore Swedish Best Practices in Case Management, Recruitment, and Reform
April 17, 2025
As part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to align with European standards in the justice sector reform, a delegation from the Office of Prosecutor General (OPG) and regional prosecution offices took part in a study visit to the Swedish Prosecution Authorities (SPA) on April 8–9, 2025. The visit was organised by the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine to support national partners in strengthening institutional capacity, transparency, and professionalism in line with EU integration goals.
The two-day programme in Stockholm was built around key themes of prosecution management: recruitment and career development, case allocation, performance evaluation, and digitalisation. Each of these areas was addressed through peer exchanges, and concrete examples drawn from Sweden’s experience.
One focus area was prosecutor recruitment and promotion, where the Ukrainian delegation learned about Sweden’s structured, merit-based approach – starting from trainee prosecutor level through to senior leadership roles. They were introduced to the role of the Advisory Promotion Board, a body that assesses both legal qualifications and leadership skills to ensure fairness and objectivity in career progression.
The delegation also examined how prosecutor’s performance evaluation is used in Sweden to ensure quality and accountability across all stages of a prosecutor’s career. This includes regular assessments during training periods and the integration of leadership and team-working abilities into promotion decisions.
Another key topic was the allocation of criminal cases, where discussions explored how transparency and the principle of legality guide decisions, minimising conflicts of interest and protecting prosecutors’ independence. Sweden’s practices offered potential inspiration for Ukraine’s own reforms in how cases are assigned and managed.
The visit culminated with an in-depth session on digitalisation, featuring the Cåbra case management system. Cåbra allows secure, efficient exchange of case data across all agencies in the Swedish criminal justice chain – from police to courts to correctional services. With over six million digital case transactions annually, the system exemplifies how smart, integrated technology can drive systemic efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve access to justice.
“This study visit has offered valuable insights from the Swedish experience in developing an independent, transparent, and efficient prosecution service. We return to Ukraine with actionable ideas to implement as we continue to enhance our case management, evaluation systems, and digital infrastructure, aligning with leading European practices”, said Deputy Prosecutor General Ihor Mustetsa, reflecting on the visit.
Throughout the visit, Ukrainian prosecutors had the opportunity to compare organisational models, share reform challenges, and identify good practices that could be adapted to the Ukrainian context. Discussions were guided by principles of independence, transparency, and service to the public.
“The Swedish experience shows how long-term investment in digital solutions and principled management practices can modernise a justice system while strengthening public trust,” noted Annita Sorti, EUAM Senior Adviser on Prosecution.
This study visit is part of EUAM Ukraine’s continued advisory support to the OPG and complements earlier workshops on reform topics such as case allocation algorithms and professional evaluation systems. A follow-up session is already planned to deepen the exchange on specific reform initiatives.
